Usborne First Reading Series

Book 2

A comical retelling of the well-loved traditional rhyme accompanied by humorous illustrations that little children will love to pore over. Old Mother Hubbard is off to the cupboard, but what will she do when she finds it bare? With simple rhyming text, perfect for sharing together.

Book 3

Chicken Licken

by Russell Punter

Published 23 February 2007

Chicken Licken thinks the sky is falling down and runs to warn the king, but are he and his friends running into danger? The classic tale of Chicken Licken retold with simple text and delightful illustrations. First Reading Level Three titles help beginner readers develop reading stamina and include character sheets or maps and the main story. Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton. Also available as an English Learner's Edition with CD recordings in British and American English and downloadable worksheets and teacher's notes. Available as ebook with narration in British English (only on tablets that support audio).

Book 4

Androcles and The Lion

by Russell Punter

Published 26 December 2008

It's a hard life being a slave in Ancient Rome. So Androcles escapes to the forest – and comes face to face with a lion. But could the mighty beast and the runaway slave help each other out? Simply written in lively, flowing text, Usborne First Reading books are designed to capture the imagination and build the confidence of beginner readers. This book includes audio and links to downloadable worksheets and teacher's notes.

"Crack reading and make confident and enthusiastic readers with this fantastic reading programme." - Julia Eccleshare

The Old Women who Lived in a Shoe

by Russell Punter

Published 28 November 2008

It’s no fun living in a shoe when you have as many children as this old woman. She needs to find a bigger home – and fast... Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton, specially written for children just starting to read alone. This ebook includes audio and reading-related puzzles.

"Crack reading and make confident and enthusiastic readers with this fantastic reading programme." - Julia Eccleshare

The Scaredy Cat

by Russell Punter

Published 28 November 2008

Stanley is a cat who’s scared of everything, so a dark house full of strange noises is the last place he wants to be. Can Stanley face his fears and save the day? This humorous story is part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton, specially written for children just starting to read alone. Includes audio.

"Crack reading and make confident and enthusiastic readers with this fantastic reading programme." - Julia Eccleshare

The Inch Prince

by Russell Punter

Published 26 December 2008

This is a new title in the fantastic "First Reading" series, aimed at children who are beginning to read. When Mrs Ping's wish to have a child is granted by a passing fairy, she and her husband become the parents of a little boy who's just one inch tall. Issy, as they name him, doesn't grow any taller. But what he lacks in height, he makes up for in ambition. He goes to the Emperor and asks for a job. But is he up to the task of becoming a royal bodyguard? It is developed in consultation with Alison Kelly, who is a senior lecturer in education and an early reading specialist from Roehampton University. It is a great value quality hardback with ribbon marker guaranteed to foster pride in book ownership.

There Was a Crooked Man

by Russell Punter

Published 30 October 2009

There was a crooked man, and he walked a crooked mile. He found a crooked sixpence, upon a crooked stile. He bought a crooked cat, which caught a crooked mouse...Read on to see what happened in their little crooked house. The traditional nonsense rhyme, accompanied by humorous illustrations sure to keep young children amused.